BlindFaith
Well-known member
I am a 56 yo male with severe aortic stenosis. I've known of a heart murmur for quite some time but had not seen a cardiologist in 25 years. Played hockey weekly and just assumed if I could get through that without symptoms, I must be okay. But, slowly I have been having shortness of breath, dizzy, etc... just thought I was getting old.
Anyway, the good part of the story... My dad has had 3 AVR's (pig, St Jude and the last human) and I was with him to see his cardiologist. The Dr decided to take a "social listen" and after 5 seconds declared.. "you have a serious problem..." That was in June and he set me up (immediately) with various tests which all confirmed I had to have my aortic valve replaced. Thank goodness he checked me on the belief that aortic problems can be hereditary (True!)
I've been reading this forum for a couple of months now and learned of the many people planning for or already experienced in going though OHS. Actually, just like my job, took me a little while to recognize the acronyms. but, just the regular visits to read has been very helpful in coming to terms with the big date coming up.
Completed my pre-op yesterday at Mass General in Boston and I am now just 5 days from surgery. I am actually much calmer now than I was back when I heard the news. I really did struggle the first month, but the waiting has helped me. As of today, I am tentatively planning on a tissue valve.
So, a thank you to the people that run this site and the many people that contribute. It really helps.
Dan
Anyway, the good part of the story... My dad has had 3 AVR's (pig, St Jude and the last human) and I was with him to see his cardiologist. The Dr decided to take a "social listen" and after 5 seconds declared.. "you have a serious problem..." That was in June and he set me up (immediately) with various tests which all confirmed I had to have my aortic valve replaced. Thank goodness he checked me on the belief that aortic problems can be hereditary (True!)
I've been reading this forum for a couple of months now and learned of the many people planning for or already experienced in going though OHS. Actually, just like my job, took me a little while to recognize the acronyms. but, just the regular visits to read has been very helpful in coming to terms with the big date coming up.
Completed my pre-op yesterday at Mass General in Boston and I am now just 5 days from surgery. I am actually much calmer now than I was back when I heard the news. I really did struggle the first month, but the waiting has helped me. As of today, I am tentatively planning on a tissue valve.
So, a thank you to the people that run this site and the many people that contribute. It really helps.
Dan
